“We’re all getting along well, most of us are in residence and it’s great to bond with all the girls,” said freshman Emma Heeney.

“We’ve got a good recruiting class that’s come in, these new people that have come in are here to be a part of the program, learn from the people behind them,” said Wilkins. “They’re doing a great job, they’re getting lots of minutes, and we’ve got some of the best athletes in Ontario that have come into this program.”

The Hawks are coming off a season that saw them win the bronze medal at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) tournament for volleyball.

“Personally, I hope to contribute to the team the best way I can, put up some big steady blocks,” said first year Hawk Breanna Golding. “Hopefully I’ll aid the team in winning nationals.”

“Our ultimate goal is to win a national championship, we’ll be fighting for that, and I think realistically with some hard work, we’ve got a long season ahead of us but I like our chances,” said Wilkins. “I think we have the ability to be better than we’ve been in the past and I think our leadership and depth is strong, and those are two things you need of you’re going to win a national championship.”